When I went to my doctor for a check-up recently she took my blood pressure and told me the reading. But to be honest the numbers did not mean anything to me. So can you explain what exactly blood pressure is?
Well, you're not alone in not knowing what blood pressure readings mean. A recent survey found more than half of Irish people do not know what normal blood pressure is, despite having their blood pressure taken in the past year.
Two measurements of blood pressure (BP) are recorded by your doctor. The first is called systolic pressure and it is taken at the moment when the heart contracts and pumps blood around the body.
The second reading is known as diastolic; this is the pressure level when the heart relaxes and takes in blood.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) using a device known as a sphygmomanometer along with a stethoscope.
What is a normal blood pressure reading and why is it so important?
A reading of 120 systolic/80 diastolic is considered to be normal blood pressure. Anything higher than 140/90 is known as hypertension, while a substantially lower reading is categorised as hypotension.
The risks of hypertension include an increased chance of developing strokes, heart attacks or kidney failure.
The problem is that high blood pressure rarely causes signs or symptoms until damage has been done to blood vessels elsewhere in the body.
That's why it is recommended that we should all have our blood pressure checked on a regular basis once we reach the age of 35.
Is medication the only way to control high blood pressure?
For most people with high blood pressure it is possible to bring it down by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes aiming for a healthy weight, eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting down on salt consumption and exercising on a regular basis. In addition, smokers benefit from giving up cigarettes. If these lifestyle changes do not bring blood pressure down within normal limits, then the regular use of antihypertensive medication is important.
Irish Heart Week takes place this week (25th September to 1st October).
Organised by the Irish Heart Foundation, it is aimed at raising awareness and educating the general public on blood pressure issues. Information is available on lo-call 1850 364 364 or on the foundation's website at www.irishheart.ie